Kofi Kingston captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 by defeating Daniel Bryan, now known in All Elite Wrestling as Bryan Danielson.
Kingston hit Bryan with the Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall victory. The veteran celebrated with the New Day in the ring as the crowd erupted. A video went viral featuring MVP and the tragically passed Shad Gaspard getting emotional following Kingston’s victory.
Speaking with Steve Fall of NBC Ten Count, a question was sent in by students for Kofi Kingston. He was asked if he felt his WWE character has impacted young African-American children and if he finds it a responsibility of his every time he’s in front of the camera. Kingston responded with
Absolutely. Being the first African-born WWE Champion impacted a lot of African-American children in ways, and really all children, but particularly African-American children because you didn’t really see African-born Superstars in championship roles.
And I mean main championship roles. It is something you didn’t see, and it is one thing to say like anything is possible because, in theory, anything is possible.
If you believe in yourself, you can be the one who breaks the ground and you can be the first person to do something.
But it is a whole other thing to say that anything is possible because it actually happened.
– Kofi Kingston
Kingston said that he was blown away by all the videos of him on social media after winning the WWE Championship. He still gets messages about it to this day.
“So we were in New Orleans, like me and my son walking in, and one of the security guards stopped me and talked to me about how impactful that moment was to him watching it as an adult.
You have all these videos of people watching it with their kids and it just really establishes a sense of hope, and belief that you can do whatever you want to do.”
Not the Typical WWE Champion
“By all standards, I shouldn’t be here. I’m not 6’8”, I’m not 300 pounds, and I don’t have a strapping chest.
As a matter of fact, I have pretty much all sternum. No muscle here. My legs are very skinny, I’m not as big as the other people on the roster.
When I was a kid and I told people that I wanted to be a WWE Superstar they laughed at me because I didn’t look the part.
Now, you fast forward all these years later, I’ve been able to have so many incredible accolades, so many awesome moments, I’ve had 22 different title reigns. This is all from a guy that wasn’t supposed to be here.”
Watch Kofi Kingston WWE Championship Celebration:
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit NBC Ten Count with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.
Bianca Belair and Bayley have been involved in a rivalry in WWE since last year.
Bayley was training for her match against Bianca Belair at Money in the Bank 2021 when she tore her ACL. The Role Model returned at SummerSlam alongside IYO SKY and Dakota Kai. The trio is now known to WWE fans as Damage CTRL.
Dakota and IYO recently captured the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bayley battled Bianca in a Ladder match at Extreme Rules but The EST was able to retain the RAW Women’s Championship. Their rivalry continues tonight on RAW in a non-title match.
Bayley & Bianca Belair Trade Words Ahead of Tonight’s Match on WWE RAW
The RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair and Bayley are set to battle tonight once again in a singles match. Bayley has not defeated Bianca in a singles match since 2020. The Role Model did get the pin on The Est during the 6-woman tag team match at Clash at the Castle last month.
Bayley posted on Instagram that tonight is the beginning of the end for the RAW Women’s Champion.
TONIGHT We’ve been through a lot together in these last couple of years and it’s been a journey. It’s been fun, annoying, tiresome, distracting, motivating, and some more annoying.
I’ve watched you grow from this young hopeful into a main eventer in what seemed almost over night.
But I know that wasn’t easy, because the lifestyle of a pro wrestler is far from easy. I’ve seen how dedicated you are to this company, I’ve seen you go out of your way for fans.
I’ve seen you not go home for weeks just to make the shows, I’ve seen you all over the country making appearances to make sure @wwe is represented the right way.
And for that, I thank you. But just know that all of those things are the EXACT reason I need to beat you tonight.
Nobody loves this company or business more than I do and I should be the one waving that WWE flag around the world, not you!!! This sh*t runs through my blood and I guarantee you have no idea what that feels like or how it fuels me.
So tonight when I beat you Bianca, it is the beginning of the end for you. #raw
Belair took to Twitter and wondered if it was actually going to be a singles match or if Damage CTRL were going to interfere once again.
Soooo… is it Me vs. 1 of them?… or all 3 of them?… this time. Asking for a friend…
Soooo… is it Me vs. 1 of them?… or all 3 of them?… this time?
Renee Paquette wasn’t the only on-air talent to have talks with AEW, who had a past in WWE, as Cathy Kelley did.
The battle to sign talent between WWE and AEW doesn’t just mean in-ring performers but outside of the talent. It was reported that WWE had reached out to Paquette before signing with the rival promotion to see if she would be interested in returning to the company where she did commentary, hosting, and interviewing work.
Another broadcaster went the opposite direction, according to Fightful Select.
Earlier this month, WWE announced big commentary changes and on-air shakeups. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett are the main commentators for SmackDown. Samantha Irvin serves as the ring announcer, with Kayla Braxton and Megan Morant as backstage interviewers. Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves are on the commentary team for Raw. Mike Rome is the ring announcer, while Cathy Kelley and Byron Saxton conduct onscreen interviews.
Cathy Kelley Was Nearly All Elite
Cathy Kelley
Sources told Fightful earlier this year that Cathy had conversations with AEW, including speaking to Tony Khan directly at some point about the possibility of working there, and that things looked promising. It didn’t happen, and there’s no word yet on what happened to make the deal not be reached.
Kelley and AEW were on solid terms before she headed back to WWE. Kelley returned to WWE after leaving the company in 2020.
On the most recent edition of the DDP Snake Pit podcast, Jon Alba hosted as “Diamond” Dallas Page and Jake “The Snake” Roberts reminisced on the career of “The Icon” Sting.
Sting’s early career as a professional wrestler
Sting’s beginnings in professional wrestling, now almost recited by many fans as if reading from his Wikipedia entry, were mentioned by the three and how a California promoter named Rick Bassman saw Steve Borden (Sting) and the then Jim Hellwig (The Ultimate Warrior) in a gym and suggested they become professional wrestlers.
Roberts and Page then discussed the anomaly of both wrestlers in a tag team not only becoming huge singles stars, but in separate companies with Warrior in WWF and Sting in WCW. It didn’t always seem that way as The Blade Runner tag team with the two wasn’t an instant success. Alba mentioned Sting’s article from The Players’ Tribune where he said he was ready to quit in the early years, but persevered.
Roberts added that Bill Watts put Sting through hell, but, “Sting was very fortunate to go there because that place, you learn more than any other place on the planet. Bill Watts made you learn,” in Mid-South Wrestling. Roberts mentioned how Watts would never put two green wrestlers together using himself tagging with The Barbarian “to help The Barbarian.”
They moved to Clash of the Champions I, which had a main event of Ric Flair and Sting ending in a 45-minute time-limit draw. Page said he doesn’t think there could be a greater compliment than “The Nature Boy” going 45 minutes with you and then to a 60-minute broadway. He likened it to the then Cody doing something similar for Darby Allin in AEW.
Alba asked if Flair made Sting and the two Hall of Famers were unequivocal in affirming the question that yes, Flair made Sting. They said he had the look, the size, the entrance, the charisma, and even if he was a little green, those matches with Flair made Sting into “they guy.” Roberts said Sting ran with it once he had the position, and Page added that Sting still has it even in his 60s.
Page credited a match with Sting on WCW Monday Nitro on January 8, 1996 for changing his career trajectory. He was effusive is his praise for Sting letting Page lay out most of the match, which led to a funny phone interaction with Michael Hayes.
The birth of “Crow” Sting
They then discussed Sting’s transition to his most iconic character, “Crow” Sting. Page said it was the smartest thing for Sting to do with the n.W.o. running rampant and obliterating babyface “Surfer” Sting. Page added that it was actually the late Scott Hall who suggested to Sting to make the change. Page said that Sting sitting in the rafters for a year while other babyfaces were being beaten down opened up the doors for him to become a top babyface in the company opposite the faction.
Alba mentioned that this version of Sting also helped Nitro do big numbers, but Page and Roberts said that Hall and Kevin Nash were the catalysts. However, they did credit the patience to keep Sting from wrestling for a year as “the people want what they can’t have, but you can’t let them have it too soon.” Page said the biggest pay-per-view in WCW was Starrcade ’97 between Sting and “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, which was built over the entire year.
Page discussed a hilarious moment where Sting was supposed to rappel down, hook up Page, and then rappel back up together. Page said Sting was supposed to come down, no one was supposed to touch them, and they would leave easily. He brought up Roberts discussing the chaos in the ring earlier with his snake and mentioned how with eight guys in the ring, they all want to do their own thing. Page said he wasn’t scared until he heard Sting yelling at the others that they weren’t supposed to touch them.
Sting post-WCW
They touched on the final Nitro match and how apropos it was to have Flair vs. Sting, the two men most synonymous with WCW. From there, they moved to Page’s first post-WWE match, which Alba said was July 2004 for HCW Battle Hawaii where Page teamed with Satoshi Kojima to take on Sting and The Great Muta. Page said he just wanted to show people that he could still go in the ring, and working with Sting, Kojima, and Muta was a dream.
Alba moved to Sting’s hesitancy to sign with WWE because of how WCW wrestlers were portrayed until relenting and signing in 2014, debuting at Survivor Series, then facing Triple H at WrestleMania 31 in a losing, but memorable effort. Roberts said he was “shocked” that Sting signed with WWE as he never envisioned Sting signing with the company. Page said in his opinion, “they pushed the hell out of him” and even if he lost to Seth Rollins in Sting’s final WWE match, it was Rollins who was receiving the rub from Sting.
They ended by asserting that Sting has redefined and rewrote what it means to utilize legends in this business. Roberts said it’s about utilizing them the right way and just having respect for what they’ve done. Page added that there isn’t anyone in the AEW locker room who doesn’t want to take the Scorpion Death Lock.
Former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz has offered some insight into an on-screen segment that saw The Rock impersonate then WWF Champion Triple H.
In mid- February of 2000, Triple H and D-Generation X targeted the likes of Kane and Mick Foley, forcibly shoving them into their DX-Express travel bus on an episode of RAW. Later in the evening, the New Age Outlaws defended their WWF World Tag Team Championships against The Rock and The Big Show. However, The Rock ended up challenging for the titles alone.
Before the bout could conclude, The Big Show appeared to confront The Rock before the two traded punches. Billy Gunn and Road Dogg (The New Age Outlaws) would then join the Big Show in fending off The Rock. Soon after, “The World’s Largest Athlete” took hold of Rock, dragging and throwing him into the baggage compartment of the DX-Express. The Rock would eventually escape, surprising The Big Show with a slate of wood to the back of his head.
The following week, DX, along with Stephanie McMahon, gathered in the ring to brag about leaving Foley and Kane stranded. The Rock, however, was unamused with their celebration. In cutting off Triple H, “The People’s Champ” emerged to cut a promo, mocking the way “The Game” spoke.
Pitching The Idea
In speaking on NotSam Wrestling, former WWE head-writer Brian Gewirtz recently opened up about the meeting for the idea, which saw him in the same room with Triple H during the pitch.
“I think that was in 2000, and the stage being set for that with us coming up with the idea for the promo, me pitching to him doing the Triple H voice and then pitching it to Vince, which normally would be easy. But when we went into Vince’s office, which at the time this is pretty incredible to consider, the writing team was so small that the writers shared an office with Vince. The writers didn’t get their own little office until 2002.”
“We would share our office with Vince, so we would go in and at that time Triple H and all of DX and Stephanie [McMahon] were all there, and Rock was setting up the promo and he’s like, ‘Oh, you’re going to love it, Hunter.’ I go in and [Rock says], ‘You know, Triple H, every time you open your mouth, you sound exactly like this.’ Then he stops and goes, ‘Brian, go ahead, do the voice.’”
As he was put on the spot with eight people, including the match producers, in the room, Gewirtz tried to avoid mimicking Triple H. “‘Well, you have to do it in TV. We should hear how you do it,'” he told The Rock. “He’s like, ‘But I’m learning from you when you do it.’”
WWE Chairmen Vince McMahon then proceeded to interject, saying ‘Damn it, Bryan, do the damn voice.'”
WWE has excelled through many eras in its history. From the famous Attitude Era, to Ruthless Aggression, to the New Era, World Wrestling Entertainment has garnered favorable success. Perhaps one of the more polarizing eras though, ran just over a year amidst the family-friendly format of the company: the Guest Host Era.
From June 29, 2009 until June 14, 2010, Monday Night RAW featured a special celebrity guest host each week. Ranging from backstage segments, to in-ring confrontations, to even booking Superstar matches, the guest host element would become a key feature to the weekly editions of RAW with the likes of Shaquille O’Neil, Betty White, and Bob Barker.
Despite the addition of some high-profile celebrities, former head writer Brian Gewirtz admitted his shock at how long the era actually survived. During a recent interview with Sam Roberts for his NotSam Wrestling podcast, Gewirtz opened up about this unique period in WWE history.
“It’s amazing that it lasted for over a full year, which is crazy to think about,” he began.
“I think everyone is kind of in agreement on the best shows from that era. Most people liked the Bob Barker episode a great deal. They liked Hugh Jackman. They liked Mike Tyson. Shaquille O’Neal was really good. Ozzy Osborne people liked, even Seth Green, when he kicked it off — that went really well.”
“It never should have been an era to begin with, but it did, and somehow we all survived.”
Brian Gewirtz continued on to reveal the original idea behind the era:
“The whole idea was born out of, how could we just take a break from the heel GM character? That segued into what if it was a different legend every week who was the GM? That’s when to what if it was a different celebrity every week? And then that turned into what if we’re just like Saturday Night Live only better?”
Memorable Guest Hosts
In naming some of the memorable guest hosts from the era, Gewirtz recalled meeting stand-up comedian Ken Jeong after he had tossed over the top rope by John Cena.
“I got to meet and become friends with Dr. Ken Jeong from the Jeremy Piven episode, who very bravely agreed to get himself thrown out of the ring from John Cena and was assured by everyone that he would be caught safely,” he said.” He was caught, but I don’t think he landed safely as his head smacked against the steel entrance way and he had to stitch himself up. hYat’s the thing, like the pacing, like waiting for Dr. Ken to come out, waiting for Ken to come out and going, ‘Oh my God, is he going to be pissed? I thought I had this brand new friend. Now he’s going to hate me. What’s going to happen? Is he going to badmouth WWE to everyone he knows in Hollywood, or is our reputation going to be sunk?’
Then he comes out and is just like so full of adrenaline and positive energy. He was like, ‘that was awesome,’ and apologizing to me like, ‘I’m so sorry I didn’t take that bump right.’ Like, again? No, I mean, personally, we’re glad you’re not suing all of us, but also glad that you’re okay and are happy about this.”
The Hoff Arrives To RAW
On April 12th, 2010, actor David Hasselhoff arrived in the United Kingdom to host RAW, later instructing David Otunga to face then WWE Champion John Cena. There, Brian Gewirtz explained how the Hasselhoff episode ultimately led to guest hosts no longer being allowed to book matches.
“When David Hasselhoff in the UK, when he had all these–Hasselhoff is great. At this point Dave Kapoor is one of the former writers, WWE, the former Ranjin Singh of the Great Khali fame. He’d come up to me because David is, as you know, the friendliest, most affable person, and he’s not faking it, he just is.”
“[Ranjin] come up to me and like, ‘Hey, Brian. Yeah, man. So Hasselhoff wants a group of people to be hanging out in the parking lot, chanting, Hoff, Hoff, Hoff! Then he gets out of his big truck and they follow him into the arena all the way in the ring, and they’re chanting Hoff!’ I’m like, ‘okay’ and then he’s got to somehow make the Intercontinental title match at SummerSlam. None of this makes sense anymore.”
The Hasselhoff show was when Vince [McMahon] finally said, okay, these guest hosts no longer have the power to make matches. They’re just going to be there, andthat’s when you saw like a turning point. That’s when it all started to wane a little bit, where it’s like they’d have their one segment, but it wouldn’t be like we’d go into their guest host office and then people would be arguing and they’d make a match and that kind of thing, because it was just a very, very unfair position to put them in, especially the non-wrestling fans who had to now learn all this exposition and ‘but it’s going to be a no disqualification match, but you got to remember it’s going to be taking place this Sunday night live on pay per view right now on the WWE Network’ and all that kind of thing.
“It’s like, I just want to come in and have fun. What am I doing here? I have so much information to give that ultimately, it kind of fizzled and then changed. And then it’s like, ‘Hey, if a celebrity happens to be on the show this week, great.’ But now they don’t have the onus of having to book matches and be in charge, and remember a lot of things, which is the way it should have been in the first place.”
Kofi Kingston is a former WWE Champion, four-time Intercontinental Champion, three-time US Champion, and thirteen-time tag team champion.
There are currently a lot of factions with three members in WWE. The Brawling Brutes, Imperium, Legado del Fantasma, New Day, etc.
Speaking with Steve Fall of NBC Ten Count, Kofi discussed the possibility of WWE introducing Trios Championships down the line.
Anything is possible, man. Like you said, there is a lot of trios going on, Sheamus and The Brawling Brutes, The Bloodline, New Day. We’ll see how E (Big E) does, he’s getting a lot better for those who are concerned.
He was actually rollerskating the other day and I’m like ‘oh my God is he okay?’. He’s coming along and he’s in great spirits. We’re just kind of taking it one day at a time with him.
But yeah, I think a Trios title would be interesting. It is obviously something that has never been done before in WWE. Who knows? You got to stay tuned and watch to find out!
Kofi Kingston on a Tag Team Match Headlining WrestleMania
During the interview on NBC Ten Count, it was pointed out that a tag team match has not headlined a WrestleMania since 1985. Kofi was asked if fans will ever see a tag team match main event a WrestleMania again and he said it was possible. Kingston added that The Usos would make the most sense as their opponent at WrestleMania.
Anything is possible, like I said. For example, Ronda Rousey being in a main event of WrestleMania. Who would have thought that would ever happen? Anything is possible, even like Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair main eventing the first night of WrestleMania.
Who would have ever thought that two women would be able to main event a WrestleMania? It is unheard of. I really enjoy the way that, especially now, WWE has done a great job over the past 8-9 years now of doing things that are completely just remarkable, and unheard of in the business.
The women’s revolution, having an all women’s PPV, the women having their own Royal Rumble is amazing and awesome.
So we are in a really special time right now in terms of wrestling. We are really doing things that are historical and groundbreaking, so a tag team match in the main event of WrestleMania is certainly not out of the cards.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit NBC Sports Boston and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.
“I had my last match back in 97. When the doctor said ‘quit wrestling, quit walking’.”
Arn Anderson.
When asked if fans may seen one more Spinebuster, a move Anderson used for decades, Arn didn’t rule out the idea with his comical response.
“How about I spinebuster myself so I can see what everyone has been complaining about all these years.”
Arn Anderson.
Anderson finished wrestling full-time in 1997 due to neck and back issues, but would have two more matches in WCW, with his final ever match being on the May 17, 2000, episode of WCW Thunder.
Anderson Today
In December 2019, after a handful of appearances, Anderson signed a contract with AEW, and signed a new multi-year deal in May the following year.
In late 2021, Anderson would drop Cody Rhodes as a client and cut his infamous ‘Glock’ promo, but would later resume managing the American Nightmare.
Arn’s son Brock Anderson also works for AEW as a wrestler.
Kurt Angle asked All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for a very large sum of cash to wrestle for the promotion.
Angle’s professional wrestling days are likely behind him, and any further involvement he will have in the industry will likely be with WWE. However, four years ago, AEW president Tony Khan was apparently seeking out the WWE Hall Of Famer’s services.
This was before Angle officially decided to hang up his boots for good. Taking to a Q&A segment on his podcast, Angle suggested he told AEW he’d need about $3 million to do 10 matches.
(WWE)
Of course, that deal never came to fruition, and Angle has yet to work with AEW in any sort of capacity.
“Well, to even consider coming back, it’s going to have to be for a substantial amount of money. I do remember, Tony Khan wanted me to come in and wrestle for him. This was like 4 years ago and I said, ‘For 10 matches, I want $3 million.’ That’s 300 grand a match.”
Kurt Angle has since inked a nostalgia/merchandise deal with WWE. It remains unknown if this would affect his ability to work with other promotions such as AEW in the future in any capacity.
Bray Wyatt made his expected return to WWE at the Extreme Rules premium live event and has been assigned to work on the WWE SmackDown brand moving forward, with his only scheduled appearances on the blue brand for now.
Wyatt has made a few appearances on SmackDown since his return as he builds his next character. Some fans have wondered whether he will be a babyface or a heel going forward, as he has teased being both.
Bray Wyatt as a Babyface
Wyatt is slotted as the number one babyface on the SmackDown brand on WWE’s internal roster, according to a new report at PWInsider. Drew McIntyre is the number two babyface after being in the top spot since being moved over from Raw.
Wyatt had been the top draw in merchandise for the company before his release in 2021, which made the decision to cut him even more surprising.
He has recently become the company’s #1 merchandise seller, and WWE officials are reportedly thrilled with the rollout of his return. He will reportedly receive new merchandise from the company, including pushes of every Funhouse character.
Because of the success that WWE had with the White Rabbit stuff, they will be looking to do similar content for future storylines if the time is right and fits the story.
It will be very interesting to see who WWE pairs Wyatt with in his first feud since returning.
Jim Ross has offered up some thoughts on the controversial Katie Vick storyline from his days in WWE.
Back in 2002, a feud between Triple H and Kane birthed one of the most horrific segments that WWE TV has ever produced. Triple H accused Kane of being a murderer, suggesting he was responsible for the death of a woman named Katie Vick.
Kane later admitted that Katie Vick was a friend of his who he drove home from a party one night. However, Kane was unfamiliar with the car her was driving, leading to a crash, and Vick’s death.
Later, a segment ran with Triple H, wearing Kane’s mask, visiting a funeral home, visiting the casket of what was supposed to be Katie Vick. Triple H got into the casket with Vick’s body before the camera blurred, and suggestive sounds could be heard from Triple H, saying things such as “I screwed your brains out” before tossing out some brain-like material.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently took to his podcast, “Grilling JR,” to offer his thoughts on the segment 20 years later. It’s safe to say, Ross has the same viewpoint that many wrestling fans have on the segment.
“I don’t know [if that was always the plan]. I don’t recall any more decent ideas. There may have been. Somebody may have said, ‘Well, that’s not outlandish enough, that’s not sensationalistic enough.’
“But it was an attempt to become more entertainment. For Raw anyway, the entertainment side of that show became the HLAs and all that shit. Lawler and I did our best to make some sense out of it, narrate it, or lay out.
Jim Ross
“I found us laying out of it more than anything because sometimes when you’re not sure what to say, or an angle is being introduced and you don’t know how the audience is gonna take it, you lay out….some of that content was hard to lay out. What do you say sometimes?
“The only thing I will say about that stuff is it was different, it was unique, it was new. But none of those things were good. It wasn’t good new. Nothing. This show was a great example of us getting way out of our lane.”
We have a backstage report to pass along on how MJF is perceived backstage in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
There has been a lot of chatter about the backstage environment within AEW, especially with reports of backstage brawls involving some of the company’s biggest names.
According to a report from PWTorch, things are pretty good backstage at the moment and are not as bad as headlines have made them out to be as of late.
The report also speculated on MJF’s contract situation. While MJF continues to insist that he has not signed a contract extension with AEW, but instead received a pay bump, PWTorch speculates that the young star may have, in fact, signed an extension after all and is waiting for the right time to announce it.
(AEW)
Backstage, MJF is described as not being a problem backstage compared to other names such as Sammy Guevara, or Britt Baker and Thunder Rosa. He’s even said to be less of a problem than The Bucks and Kenny.
While someone like Omega is described as being more “political,” MJF is said to be more “ambitious” than anything. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops given the unconfirmed status of MJF’s contract heading into 2024.
Wrestling fans “up north” have reason to celebrate. Hot off the heels of a record-breaking Canadian tour, WWE is bringing a premium live event to Canada early next year.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2023 is scheduled to take place Saturday, February 18 from Montreal, Québec, Canada at the Bell Centre. In addition to Elimination Chamber, Montreal will also host Friday Night SmackDown the previous night.
Elimination Chamber 2023 marks the first WWE premium live event from Montreal in 14 years.
Tickets for Elimination Chamber and Friday Night SmackDown will be available beginning Friday, December 2 at 10 AM ET. For more information, visit WWE.com.
WWE’s New PLE Strategy for 2023
The news of WWE bringing next year’s Elimination Chamber to Canada aligns with recent reports about the company’s new approach to premium live events (sort of).
Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline recently sent out a tweet to his ‘Super Followers’ noting that WWE will be holding more International events next year. That aspect of the report checks out. Alvarez noted that WWE will be holding fewer “gimmick” events. Elimination Chamber is considered a gimmick event, so we’ll have to see how the handles other shows like Hell in a Cell, TLC and Extreme Rules.
The first PLE of 203 will be the Royal Rumble on January 28 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. WWE Day 1, which was originally scheduled for January 1, has been scrapped.
For more on the major changes coming to WWE’s premium live events next year, visit:
WWE has undergone massive changes at the top of the company in 2022 and it has resulted in a completely new vision for the product.
Vince McMahon resigned in late July and was replaced by Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan as co-CEOs. The 77-year-old was being investigated by the company’s Board of Directors for alleged hush money payments to former female employees.
John Laurinaitis was dismissed from the company and replaced by Triple H as EVP of Talent Relations. The Game has since been named Chief Content Officer for the company as well.
Since gaining power in the company, Triple H has brought back several released stars and seems to be reverting some of the changes to WWE NXT.
Kofi Kingston on Triple H’s New Role
Speaking with Steve Fall of NBC’s Ten Count, Kofi Kingston was asked which former stars he wants to see return to the company. “I would have said Bray,” he said. I would have said Bray if he didn’t debut last week. But I don’t know man. Off the top of my head, there are just so many people.”
“Even people that haven’t been here in WWE I would love to see in WWE. There is so much talent. I’ve said it before, but this is a real special time in wrestling. There’s just so much talent out there.”
Kingston then brought up that there will likely be more surprises in store for WWE fans now that Triple H is at the helm.
Especially with Triple H at the helm right now, we are going to have a lot more surprises and we are going to have a lot more moments of people coming back. We are really ticking the people’s fancy and giving them what they want. And that is a great thing to be a part of.
WWE Crown Jewel
The New Day is not currently booked for WWE’s upcoming Crown Jewel premium live event from Saudi Arabia. Some people might enjoy a break from international travel, but Kingston says he loves Saudi Arabia and wants to be booked on every WWE show.
“I’m at the point now where I kind of, of course, I want to be on every single show,” he said. “You know what I mean? I’m still very hungry in that sense. But I just wait to see what is happening and how things are going to unfold. I know that things always change at the last minute.”
“So often times we are not on a show and then I’ll find out on social media that we are on the show. I’m always the last one to find things out. I would love to go to Crown Jewel. I love Saudi, I love the people there. “
“I was actually the first person to go there before we actually started running televised shows there. I stayed there for 7-8 days or so, and I got to really immerse myself in the culture. It was one of the best experiences that I’ve had as a WWE Superstar hands down.”
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit NBC Ten Count and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is speaking about the unspeakable tragedy that has touched his family. Nash’s son Tristen passed away unexpectedly last week. He was only 26. Nash addressed the situation on the latest episode of his Kliq This podcast.
Co-host Sean Oliver said he heard from Kevin last Tuesday afternoon. Tristen had been rushed to the hospital for what they believed was a seizure.
“The seizure caused a cardiac arrest, said Nash. “He was basically dead in his room on the floor with the EMT working on him, and they got him back, they got him in the ambulance and.. trying to save his life, so.. to the people at Halifax Hospital, doctors and nurses, I thank you.”
Oliver brought up that Tristen wasn’t feeling well in the days prior to his passing. Nash said they both decided to stop drinking alcohol. The effects of abstaining from alcohol after periods of excessive consumption can be very serious.
“We both decided that we were going to stop drinking,” he continued. “So, it was a situation where we both went cold turkey. I don’t think either of us felt great, because you stop drinking coffee for a day and you get a headache. I think we were both dealing with it, but also because we’re so close tot he cruise lines here, that Norovirus shit is always prevalent.”
Oliver asked what precipitated the decision for them to stop drinking. Nash said Tristen had had some alcohol-related ‘incidents’ and was hospitalized earlier this year due to his dependency.
“He had this situation, at the beginning of the year, hospitalized for almost 60 days due to drinking. This is my cross to bear. It’s alcoholism. It took one of my dearest friends, it took Scott, and now it’s taken my son.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin Nash and his family during this difficult time.
CJ Perry was not punished by WWE for her husband Miro joining All Elite Wrestling, despite what some have claimed.
In 2020, months after his April 15, release, Miro joined AEW where he is a one-time TNT Champion.
Perry herself was released from WWE in June 2021, with her high-dollar contract reportedly a factor in WWE’s decision.
Not Punished
Not long after Miro’s AEW debut, Perry (known as Lana in WWE) was involved in a storyline that saw her put through tables each week.
Some speculated that WWE’s storyline was a form of punishment for Perry, who denied the claim in a talk with Fightful Select.
Not only was this not a punishment, Perry made it clear that she pitched for the angle to happen, adding that she had to fight Liv Morgan for the ‘honor.’
Perry explained how the tables spot was supposed to get Nia Jax over as a babyface, as Lana was a heel at the time.
Ultimately, fans would ultimately side with Perry for her resilience each week, culminating in a babyface turn.
Miro and AEW
Perry hasn’t appeared for All Elite Wrestling, but Miro has made references to his “hot wife” multiple times.
Speaking about the Bulgarian wrestler, Perry said that Miro never gives her a heads-up before referencing her on TV.
Addressing possibly joining AEW, the former Total Divas star said that there have not been “extended talks” with the company, but is open to a role.
Perry said that even though she loved wrestling, she would prefer to focus on outside-the-ring roles such as a manager or valet.
WOW Women of Wrestling has faced another setback as their champion The Beast is out with an injury.
The Beast has held the title since May 2019 after defeating Tessa Blanchard.
The Beast’s Injury
Fightful Select reports that The Beast sustained a leg injury early into the first set of tapings of the show, resulting in “significant creative changes.”
The Beast, one of the few stars of the original Women of Wrestling, is said to be a personal favorite of WOW promoter David McLane.
One talent told Fightful that the injury is “unfortunate” and insinuated that talent were deceived when told that a taping was delayed due to Covid-19 precautions.
This talent believes that the taping was actually delayed to give The Beast more time to recover.
The Beast’s 1256+ day reign is the second-longest reign as WOW Women of Wrestling Champion, behind Jungle Grrrl at 1,300.
Another Setback
This is the most recent setback for WOW Women of Wrestling, which has had issues stemming from its relationship with Tessa Blanchard.
Blanchard, the first and only female Impact Wrestling World Champion, joined WOW but had significant heat within the company.
Prior to her Impact World title win, accusations were made of Blanchard using racist language and causing problems with other female wrestlers.
Dave Meltzer reported in May this year that the “two sides [Blanchard and WOW] had different ideas and were constantly butting heads.”
The controversial wrestler had been WOW’s lead trainer, which caused further resentment backstage, but was released from the company earlier this year.
Is CM Punk going to return to WWE? Not if those close to Head of Talent Relations Triple H can help it.
After walking out of WWE in January 2014, Punk joined AEW in August 2021 but is currently suspended for his role in the AEW All Out 2022 post-show backstage fight.
It is reported that AEW’s higher-ups and the locker room do not want him back and are in talks to buy out the remainder of his contract.
Voting No
If Punk is fired from AEW as many predict, then the only possible promotion able to afford his services is WWE.
Despite the very critical comments both sides have had over the years, there is a belief that Triple H would be interested in making a move to bring Punk back.
During a recent PWTorch.com audio show, Wade Keller addressed a possible Punk return, and that those close to the Game are against the idea (via Wrestling News.)
“Somebody who’s currently in WWE, and is within the sphere of influence of Paul Levesque’s decision-making would be a hard ‘No’ as of me asking this person today. A hard ‘No’ on endorsing the return of CM Punk, even if it would help business.”
Keller has previously reported that Triple H is more inclined to bring Punk back than his father-in-law Vince McMahon, who retired from WWE in July this year.
Not Wanted Back
Given Punk’s past issues with WWE, he may not be willing to return to the company who handed him his firing papers on his wedding day (mere coincidence WWE claims.)
In his report, Keller added that if WWE says no, then AEW may not be willing to bring him back either.
“I talked to three people of significant stature in AEW in the last couple of days…I asked how would a vote go in the AEW locker room if they were asked if they wanted Punk to return? One person said he wouldn’t fare very well. Another person said he thinks he might not get a single vote.”
AEW’s roster is said to be vehemently anti-Punk at this time, believing his comments during the All Out media scrum damaged the company.
Punk was heavily critical of ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, who has been one of AEW’s biggest stars since the company’s launch in 2019.
Cody Rhodes was an EVP of All Elite Wrestling before exiting the promotion earlier this year. He spent nine years with WWE before being released from the company in 2016.
The former TNT Champion returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38. He was former WWE CEO Vince McMahon’s handpicked opponent for Seth “Freakin” Rollins.
The American Nightmare went on to defeat The Visionary three times in a row but was injured ahead of their match at Hell in a Cell. Cody entered the steel structure with a torn pectoral muscle and left a legend amongst WWE fans.
WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Preview
There were 200,000 Google searches for Cody Rhodes on the day of the WWE Hell In A Cell PPV,
The most of any individual wrestler on a pro wrestling PPV show in years.
Rene Dupree recently discussed Cody Rhodes on his Cafe de Rene podcast. The former WWE Superstar claimed that The American Nightmare was entitled early in his career. Rene recalled Cody getting hired by the company despite having little experience and trying to be an actor at the time.
I remember Cody Rhodes one time spotted off like yeah second generation guys don’t get along and I’m thinking what the f**k do you know about that. My days with Cody were different with other people because when I first met him like, entitled? like a hundred and f**king percent right… He got hired, no experience, no nothing, he was 21, he was trying to be an actor in Hollywood.
5 Reasons MJF Should Win the AEW World Championship
Cody Rhodes isn’t expected to return to action this year. Many have speculated that he will return at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event but time will tell. The American Nightmare recently spoke to TMZ Sports and said that he hopes his return is a run fans remember. Cody added that his return before injury was the best three months of his life.
Several “prominent” indie wrestling promotions are heading to FITE+.
Fightful Select is reporting that multiple announcements are due to be made in November. At this time, Fightful hasn’t “learned whether or not there will be additional price points, packages, or details as right now most events are available there 30 days after airing. It was largely implied to us that several Indies will be joining as a live streaming option for one piece point of the subscription.”
FITE+ airs “premium events from Boxing, MMA, Pro Wrestling & other combat sports! Watch selected PPV events from over 140+ promotions 30 days after airing! Plus, enjoy an ad-free experience on all of FITE.” They currently offer two price points at either $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year.
Is GCW’s Streaming Platform Through FITE+?
(via GCW)
One promotion could be GCW. They’ve been hinting at a streaming deal for a while. During an interview on “The Business of the Business” podcast, GCW owner, Brett Lauderdale, said that an announcement was “coming between now and November 1.” After a sarcastic tweet from Joey Janela about WWE was taken seriously as the two companies working together, many have joked that GCW is headed to Peacock. Janela and Lauderdale have continued with the rib by tweeting about WWE regularly.
On Saturday night after the main event of GCW Drop Dead, Janela announced that DDT Pro will be coming to The Collective next year. There will be two shows in LA next year: DDT Goes Hollywood and GCW vs. DDT. This will be DDT’s first American shows in four years. GCW is one of the most popular independent promotions in wrestling today.
*BREAKING*
As announced by @JANELABABY…@ddtpro is coming back to the USA for 2 big shows during the 2023 Edition of The Collective in LA!
Many prominent indie promotions currently air on subscription services IWTV and Highspots. Enjoy Wrestling and Deadlock Pro currently air on YouTube. It remains to be seen if promotions that air on those services will leave for FITE+.
Chris Jericho keeps adding to his incredible career and legacy. Jericho recently acquired his 8th world title at Dynamite: Grand Slam. He defeated Claudio Castagnoli to become the new ROH Champion at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After winning the title, Chris Jericho vowed to defeat every former ROH Champion he can and even attacked ROH ring announcer Bobby Cruise. AEW President Tony Khan purchased Ring of Honor earlier this year and is hoping to secure a weekly TV show for the promotion in the near future.
Chris Jericho’s Best Gimmicks Ranked
Here are three reasons Chris Jericho is the right choice as the ROH Champion:
Reliability
Chris Jericho has proven to be one of the most valuable performers in All Elite Wrestling. His reign as the inaugural AEW World Champion laid the foundation for the promotion to be successful, and now Tony Khan is relying on Chris to do the same for Ring of Honor.
Jericho’s run as AEW Champion lasted 182 days after defeating Kenny Omega at Double or Nothing 2019. He eventually lost the title to Jon Moxley at Revolution 2020.
Jericho’s career has spanned three decades now and he has shown no signs of slowing down as of late. He recently got into the best shape of his life and is delivering consistently solid matches for AEW at 51 years old. Jericho signed a three-year contract extension with AEW last week.
It was rumored that WWE was expecting him to return to the promotion in 2024, which only further proves how valuable he remains in the professional wrestling business.
Whether it be Y2J, Le Champion, or The Wizard, Chris has demonstrated an ability to reinvent himself countless times throughout the years. His run as Le Champion was a memorable one, and his “a little bit of the bubbly” catchphrase spawned a successful champagne brand for the wrestling legend.
Chris has already had two different factions in All Elite Wrestling and both of them have been a success. The Inner Circle and now the Jericho Appreciation Society. JAS refer to themselves as “sports entertainers” and oftentimes wear flashy outfits and ridiculous hats.
The storyline leading up to the ROH Championship match between Chris Jericho and Bryan Danielson surrounded ROH Pure Champion Daniel Garcia. Bryan Danielson wanted Garcia to be a professional wrestler and join the Blackpool Combat Club, while Chris wanted him to remain in JAS and be a sports entertainer.
Ultimately, Garcia opted to align with Jericho instead of his hero growing up, Bryan Danielson. Jericho Appreciation Society have already positioned themselves to be the focal point of Ring of Honor when the promotion launches a weekly TV show.
Chris can enter into a feud with anyone and make it entertaining. It is hard to imagine a trait more valuable than that when trying to build new stars in a relaunching a promotion.
Recognizability
Naturally, Chris Jericho has accumulated millions of fans throughout his thirty years in the wrestling business. Jericho performed in Mexico, Canadian Rocky Mountain Wrestling, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, ECW, and WCW early in his career. He interrupted The Rock to make his WWE debut in 1999 and has remained a star ever since.
Jericho had three successful runs in WWE before returning to New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2017. Chris captured the IWGP IC Title at NJPW Dominion in 2018. AEW made Jericho it’s inaugural champion to instantly provide credibility to the promotion.
In addition to being a familiar face in wrestling, Chris has also become a star in the music industry. His rock band, Fozzy, debuted in 2000 and has released seven studio albums. Jericho’s entrance theme, “Judas”, is Fozzy’s most popular song to date. The music video is currently closing in on 60 million views.
Chris was also one of the first professional wrestlers to enter the podcast game. His “Talk Is Jericho” podcast has over 900 episodes to date and features interviews with some of the biggest stars in the industry today.
Jericho has a massive following and helped bring fans to All Elite Wrestling when the product first launched three years ago. It appears that we are about to watch history repeat itself when it comes to Ring of Honor.
AEW has had its pitfalls recently, but overall the promotion has provided what it set out to be, an alternative for wrestling fans. Chris Jericho carried the torch when AEW first launched and it will be interesting to see what the wrestling legend has in store for fans as the Ring of Honor Champion. One thing is for certain, many fans will tune in to find out.
WWE is looking to introduce NXT brands globally as soon as 2023. During Saturday night’s NXT Halloween Havoc post-show media scrum, Shawn Michaels talked about moving the brand outside of the Performance Center as well as plans to expand globally.
NXT has had 3 different iterations over the last 13 months. The decision was made to move their USA network show from Wednesday to Tuesday nights. It also added a new logo and went to a more developmental style brand. It was renamed NXT 2.0.
Present day, the current iteration of the NXT brand is a hybrid between 2.0 and the black and gold era. Excitement is high, which is why Shawn Michaels says that the next step for the brand is moving globally.
Michaels, who serves as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, is hopeful that they will be hosting Premium Live Events outside of the Performance Center.
“From an NXT standpoint, we’ve been getting out live events here in Florida and we certainly look forward to getting out of Orlando in 2023.” Michaels said.
“From an NXT standpoint, getting out for Premium live events. Hopefully, that means getting out for live events as well outside of Florida. Those are decisions that come from people above me. We certainly want to do it and we’re excited to do it, but we’re going to start with Premium Live Events and see how that goes first. “
NXT Mexico and Japan
Moving NXT outside of Florida in 2023 looks to be a lock. Moving the brand outside of the United States is a larger goal and also looks to be on the horizon sooner rather than later.
According to Fightful, WWE trademarked the term NXT Global back September. The United Kingdom version of the brand was added in 2018 and will be repackaged as part of NXT Europe.
It would make sense for NXT to move to other regions of the World. Michaels says that talks of NXT Japan and NXT Mexico have surfaced.
“I know there’s been talks of NXT Japan and NXT Mexico. As I understand it those announcements could be coming down the road in 2023, so this company continues to grow and expand.”
– Shawn Michaels
Michaels joked that he “knows a guy” who is very interested in NXT and its expansion, so he doesn’t think fans will have to wait long before some big announcements are made.
All Elite Wrestling is reportedly negotiating a buyout with CM Punk for the remaining years on his contract.
CM Punk Probably Won’t Return to AEW
The 43-year-old debuted to a sold-out United Center on the 2nd episode of AEW Rampage last year. AEW and Punk sold out the venue on a rumor that he would be making his return to professional wrestling after seven long years away.
It was electric in Chicago when “Cult of Personality” blasted through the speakers and The Voice of the Voiceless had finally returned. Unfortunately, the good vibes were short-lived and Punk seemingly has squandered the opportunity he always complained about not getting in WWE.
Was CM Punk a Draw in All Elite Wrestling?
One of the criticisms of CM Punk is that he wasn’t a draw for the promotion. AEW President Tony Khan once vehemently defended the former two-time AEW World Champion from criticism from Eric Bischoff during a media scrum.
Wrestlenomics has provided some data that proves that CM Punk was a draw for All Elite Wrestling during his year in the promotion. According to Wrestlenomics, Punk increased quarter-hour ratings when he was on the screen. The five PPVs he appeared on are the highest-selling in promotion history. He main evented two $1m gates and has four of the top ten selling items on ShopAEW and PWTees this year.
Was CM Punk a draw for AEW? -His appearances often increased quarter-hours -5 PPVs he was on are AEW’s 5 highest-selling -Main evented two $1M gates, arguably drew a 3rd he wasn’t on -4 of 10 top selling items for the yr on ShopAEW & PWTees are his
Was CM Punk a draw for AEW?
-His appearances often increased quarter-hours
-5 PPVs he was on are AEW's 5 highest-selling
-Main evented two $1M gates, arguably drew a 3rd he wasn't on
-4 of 10 top selling items for the yr on ShopAEW & PWTees are his
CM Punk defeated Jon Moxley at AEW All Out in the NOW Arena in Chicago on September 4th. He tore his pectoral during the match and would have had to relinquish the title anyway.
However, CM Punk went on a rant to begin the media scrum after the PPV. During the rant, he insulted The Elite, Hangman Page, Colt Cabana, and others, all while AEW President Tony Khan was seated directly next to him.
After his rant, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks reportedly went to the former AEW World Champion’s locker room and a brawl broke out. CM Punk’s friend and former AEW producer Ace Steel has been released from the company.
Kofi Kingston captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 by defeating Daniel Bryan.
He wrestled 75 matches as the champion and had long rivalries with Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, and Dolph Ziggler during his reign.
WWE SmackDown debuted on Fox on October 4th, 2019. The main event for the show was Kofi defending his WWE Championship against Brock Lesnar.
Most fans expected Brock to win but The Beast absolutely dominated and squashed Kofi to win the title.
Kofi Kingston on why He Never Got a Rematch Against Brock Lesnar
The former WWE Champion spoke with Steve Fall on NBC Ten Count recently and was asked why he never received a rematch after the shocking defeat.
Kofi admitted that he has no idea why he didn’t get a rematch for the title but claimed that it is not something he dwells on nowadays.
I have no idea. I don’t really dwell on the why, there is a lot of things in the industry that you look at sometimes and you’re like ‘whoa, why did that happen?’. And you just move on and the wheel keeps on turning.
Again, for me to like dwell on what happened in that match with Brock Lesnar, it doesn’t serve me any purpose, right? It’s not going to make me better, it’s not going to change what happened, it’s not really going to do anything besides make me feel bad.
So, I’m not going to let it do that. I have a lot more career left to handle. I think that it is a scenario where like, again this is such a unique opportunity to be on this roster.
As far as my run being WWE Champion, I got to go six months almost to the day. So that is a very long reign.
I think if you look back at how many of the past or current champions have had a reign of six months or more it’s Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, Roman Reigns and myself.
Kofi spoke about his rivalries during his title reign and noted how it was cool to tie everything together by revisiting his rivalry with The Viper Randy Orton.
AJ Styles at the beginning, and then Randy Orton kind of like tying everything together.
Being that I was in for a push in 2009 and I was out in a rivalry with Randy Orton, and then it didn’t work out.
So to be able to kind of like button that up was great. So I enjoyed my title reign. I enjoyed every single moment of it because I know how rare it is to be in that championship role.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit NBC Ten Count and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.
Was CM Punk destined to have an underwhelming run in AEW? That’s certainly what those close to the former World Champion believe.
Punk joined AEW in August 2021 after a seven-year hiatus from professional wrestling, and is a two-time World Champion with the company.
The Chicago-Made wrestler is currently out with an injury and has been suspended for his role in the AEW All Out 2022 post-show backstage fight.
This week, it was reported that AEW intends to buy out the remainder of Punk’s contract and fire him.
Destined To Be
Punk’s days with AEW are seemingly numbered, and some close to him believed this would always happen
During a recent PW Torch Elite Audio stream, Wade Keller reported that when he spoke to sources close to Punk before his AEW debut, they predicted his run would not go well.
Those same sources also said that Punk’s run with AEW “wouldn’t last,” which appears to be the case now.
Punk’s personality and history of discontent were cited as reasons why his run with AEW would end poorly.
Returning to WWE
If Punk is fired from AEW, the only place he could realistically wrestle next is WWE.
If so, then a deal will need to be struck with WWE’s Head of Talent Relations Triple H, who Punk has been highly critical of in the past.
In his report, Keller stated that Triple H is more likely to bring Punk back than Vince McMahon, who “never fully got behind” the AEW star.
It was also noted that Triple H may attempt to bring him back, to move metrics such as viewership and prove that WWE has not missed a beat post-Vince McMahon.
The Future of AEW
AEW made a huge deal of CM Punk’s arrival in August last year on Rampage: The First Dance, but the company will be okay without him.
Keller reported that while Punk would be a “net plus” in bringing in ticket sales and moving merchandise, he is far from ‘needed’ in AEW.
Keller pointed to the many established main event talent and rising mid-card talent, and is more than capable of growing without Punk.
It was said that any growth in AEW’s viewership due to Punk being on the show has happened at this point.
